The FSAI Serves Five Closure Orders On Food Businesses In January

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today (9 February) reported that it served five closure orders on food businesses in January. The FSAI said that the businesses affected were in breach of of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010.

Commenting on the Enforcement Orders served in January, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI stated that food businesses must prioritise food safety requirements and not be complacent.

She explained, “The vast majority of Irish food businesses are aware of the importance of food safety requirements and are complying with food safety legislation. However, there are a number of businesses acting carelessly and potentially putting consumer’s health at risk. All food businesses must take responsibility and recognise that the legal onus is on them to make sure that the food they sell or serve is safe to eat."

The Enforcement Orders were issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE). On order to avoid this, Byrne suggested that businesses should contact the FSAI, if the owner is unsure of what is required of them by law.

Byrne added, “This requires ongoing compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. Food businesses should not hesitate to seek the information and support provided by the inspectorate and the FSAI. If any food business owner is unsure of what is required of them by law, they can contact the FSAI advice line at [email protected] or visit its website www.fsai.ie or facebook page.”

Three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

· Hot Spot (take away), Parnell Street, Limerick

· Polonez (retailer), 20 Moore Street, Dublin 1

· Pacinos Restaurant, 18 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

Two Closure Orders were served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on: